Johnson & Johnson's two wind turbines in Cork's lower harbour were formally switched on during an event officiated by Mr Seán Sherlock T.D., the Irish Minister for Research and Innovation.

The turbines will support the DePuy Synthes and Janssen Biologics manufacturing operations while boosting competitiveness and lowering energy costs by as much as 30% at both sites. The wind turbine project is the outcome of a unique collaboration between Johnson & Johnson, GSK and Novartis – the Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group.

We prepared four parallel planning applications with environmental impact statements for the project, and secured permission for one 3 megawatt turbine on each site. The turbines have tip heights of 149.5 metres above ground. We also completed a front end civil and electrical engineering design which provided each site with a design basis and a cost estimate to realise the project.

The project is an innovative response by the group to increased international competitiveness and energy costs, and it will visibly demonstrate a long-term commitment to renewable energy technologies, integrated with the established healthcare manufacturing activities.